Terms of Service

Last updated: May 26, 2026

1. Acceptance of Terms

By creating an account or using the Pontis platform (the "Service"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree, do not use the Service. We may update these Terms at any time; continued use constitutes acceptance.

2. Eligibility

You must be at least 18 years old and legally able to enter contracts in your jurisdiction to use Pontis. By using the Service, you represent that you meet these requirements.

3. The Pontis Platform

Pontis is a marketplace that connects senders (people who want parcels delivered) with travelers (people willing to carry parcels along their route). Pontis is not a shipping carrier. We do not take custody of parcels. We provide the technology platform, escrow payment service, and communication tools that facilitate transactions between users.

4. Prohibited Items

The following items may never be sent or carried through Pontis, regardless of whether they are legal in the sender's or destination's jurisdiction:

  • Illegal drugs or controlled substances
  • Weapons, firearms, ammunition, or explosives
  • Counterfeit goods or items that infringe intellectual property rights
  • Cash, negotiable instruments, or precious metals above $500 in value
  • Hazardous materials, flammable liquids, or dangerous goods
  • Live animals
  • Human remains or organs
  • Perishable food items without proper packaging
  • Any item that violates import/export laws of any country involved in the delivery

Senders are solely responsible for ensuring their parcel contents comply with all applicable laws. Misrepresenting parcel contents is grounds for immediate account termination and may result in legal liability.

5. Sender Responsibilities

  • Accurately describe all items in your listing, including their nature, value, and dimensions.
  • Ensure items are properly packaged for transport.
  • Comply with all customs and import/export regulations for the origin and destination countries.
  • Release payment from escrow promptly upon confirmed delivery.
  • Not abuse the dispute process to withhold legitimate payment from travelers.

6. Traveler Responsibilities

  • Complete identity verification (KYC) before accepting deliveries.
  • Inspect parcels before accepting them and refuse any parcel you suspect contains prohibited items.
  • Comply with all customs declarations and declare parcels to authorities when required.
  • Deliver parcels as agreed and provide photo verification at pickup and delivery.
  • You are responsible for any customs duties, fines, or legal consequences arising from carrying undeclared or prohibited items, even if the sender misrepresented the contents.

7. Payments and Escrow

Payments are processed by Stripe, Inc. When a sender posts a listing, the delivery fee is authorized but not captured until a traveler accepts the delivery. Funds are held in escrow and released to the traveler upon confirmed delivery or after the dispute resolution period expires.

  • Pontis charges a platform fee of up to 15% on each transaction.
  • Travelers receive payouts via Stripe Connect within 2–7 business days after delivery confirmation.
  • Refunds to senders are issued within 5–10 business days if a delivery is cancelled before pickup.
  • Once a traveler marks a delivery as complete, senders have 48 hours to dispute before funds are automatically released.

8. Pontis Secure & Item Value Limits

Every item listed on Pontis must have a declared value of $1,000 or less. Senders may optionally add Pontis Secure, a self-funded protection program operated directly by Pontis, at the time of listing for a flat fee of $24.99.

  • Pontis Secure is entirely optional. Senders are not required to add it to use the platform.
  • Items without Pontis Secure: If a sender does not add Pontis Secure at the time of listing, Pontis accepts no liability whatsoever for any loss, theft, damage, delay, customs seizure, or any other harm to the item during transit, beyond the standard dispute resolution process. By listing without Pontis Secure, the sender expressly acknowledges and accepts this risk.
  • Items with Pontis Secure: If a sender adds Pontis Secure and a covered item is lost, stolen, or damaged in transit, Pontis will pay an approved claim of up to $300 — not the full declared value — following review through Pontis's dispute resolution process. This is a self-funded program operated directly by Pontis, not a third-party product.
  • No implied coverage: The escrow payment system protects the delivery fee only. It does not guarantee reimbursement for the value of the item itself.
  • Pickup window: Pontis Secure does not cover delays caused by an item not being picked up within the Traveler's designated pickup window. Once that window closes, Pontis is not responsible for the delay — senders are responsible for tracking trip notifications and coordinating pickup.
  • Traveler liability: Travelers are not liable for loss or damage to items unless proven to have acted negligently or fraudulently, as determined through Pontis's dispute resolution process.

Pontis strongly recommends that senders add Pontis Secure for all high-value items. The option is available on the listing form and can be added before posting.

9. Disputes

If a sender and traveler cannot resolve a disagreement, either party may file a dispute through the Pontis platform within 48 hours of the delivery being marked complete. Pontis will review available evidence (photos, GPS data, chat logs) and issue a final decision within 5 business days. Our decision is binding and final. Pontis's liability in any dispute is limited to the delivery fee paid for that transaction.

10. Ratings and Reviews

After each delivery, both parties may leave ratings and reviews. Reviews must be honest, factual, and not defamatory. Pontis may remove reviews that violate these standards. Attempting to manipulate ratings through fake reviews or coercion is grounds for account termination.

11. Account Termination

We may suspend or terminate your account at any time for violation of these Terms, fraudulent activity, or any behavior that poses a risk to users or the platform. You may close your account at any time by contacting us. Termination does not relieve you of obligations for completed transactions.

12. Limitation of Liability

Pontis is a marketplace platform and is not responsible for the actions of users, the contents of parcels, customs seizures, lost or damaged items, or delays. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Pontis's total liability to you for any claim arising from use of the Service is limited to the fees paid by you to Pontis in the three months preceding the claim. We are not liable for indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages.

13. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Pontis and its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, or expenses (including legal fees) arising from your use of the Service, your violation of these Terms, or your violation of any third party's rights.

14. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, USA, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any disputes shall be resolved in the courts of Prince William County, Virginia, unless applicable law requires otherwise.

15. Contact

Questions about these Terms? Email us at info@pontisapp.com.